The Best Books of 2021 (So Far)

We’re breaking down the best books of 2021 so far, including debuts from Dawnie Walton and more. This list is updated as releases occur. 

 

Literary Fiction

The Push, Ashley Audrain

Open Water, Caleb Azumah Nelson

Open Water is one of the most real and authentic stories about love and miscommunication in a relationship leading to its downfall.

What’s Mine and Yours, Naima Coster

Infinite Country, Patricia Engel

Infinite Country tells the story about a family divided between Colombia and the United States – the story about a mixed-status family navigating the world and their relationships. It’s deeply compelling and engaging.

Detransition Baby, Torrey Peters

This is Torrey Peters’ debut telling the story about a relationship falling apart, after a partner detransitioned – the novel fearlessly navigates the most dangerous taboos around gender, sex, and relationships as a thrillingly original, witty, and deeply moving novel.

The Final Revival of Opal and Nev, Dawnie Walton

A gritty and compelling story about the rise and fall of a fictional punk duo – Opal and Nev – narrated as an oral history, as a grittier version of Daisy Jones and the Six. 

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Romance

The Summer Job, Lizzy Dent

One of the most delicious novels set up for the summer – telling the story of Birdy who takes a job in Scotland as a sommelier, despite knowing nothing about wine. It’s a modern-day Bridget Jones based in Scotland and it’s wonderfully endearing. 

This article will be updated, as new books are published.